I want to know if it would be inappropriate to use dovetails to join two boards together along the length of the edge grain, and not at the end grain. Basically joining four sections of frame and panels to make a box. Thanks for the input.
I want to know if it would be inappropriate to use dovetails to join two boards together along the length of the edge grain, and not at the end grain. Basically joining four sections of frame and panels to make a box. Thanks for the input.
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Replies
I think you'd have problems with the tails and pins breaking. As I understand your question, the grain would be running across the tails and pins, rather than lengthwise, as with conventional dovetails.
The dovetail joint, at least as a joining technique without regard to its artistic merit, is designed to resist withdrawal forces. In your scheme, such forces would be at the weakest point of the boards.
You might want to consider mitered corners with dovetail keys. This joint is both attractive and strong and (I think) would give you the visual appeal you want. Most any book on joinery will describe how to make the joint; if you don't have a reference, give a shout and I'm sure someone will provide whatever information you need.
I do have references on making the dovetail keys for mitered corners. Do the dovetail keys or straight keys offer any structural strength, or should I reinforce the miter with a spline or something? This is for a fairly large case, like a blanket chest.
Thanks for the help
The keys do provide strength to the joint. When you are through, they will probably provide much more strength than a spline. But I'd use a spline or biscuits in the miters, because the miter joint alone has little strength while you are cutting the dovetails for the keys.
I think you can make quite an attractive corner to a blanket chest with this joint.
i think you should research a traditional japanese joint.
see Taunton Press" Encyclopedia of Wood Joints", by Wolfram Graubner
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